[Captain K]

Since this comes up every year, I thought it'd be useful to explain about Brighton parking.

First of all: it will be difficult to find a space, no matter what. At the weekends the place is full, and even people with resident's permits have trouble. Don't trust your hotel to provide a space.

However, it can be done. The simplest option is to drive east along the seafront until you reach Sussex Square - the really nice bit at the very end of Kemptown. Then head directly inland, and immediately east of the square the parking is free. It's then a 15 minute walk or a short bus ride (the 27 I think) back along the seafront to where we meet.

The other option, for people who really can't be arsed to walk, or who have lots of baggage and goodies, is to buy a resident's visitor permit. You need to be a resident to do so, but I was one once so I've got some. I had to buy them, and I've given them away in previous years (or not been paid back! ) so this year I'll ask for the money for them. But they're just £1 each. They allow a day's parking in a resident's space in the appropriate zone. I've got them, fully up to date, for zone M (near the West Pier, and where Becky & Hanna's house is) and old ones for zone C (city centre east, and St. James's Street), which don't have a 2008 box to scratch off, so you'll be taking your chances - some wardens think it's fine if you just write 2008 on them, others don't. Because of the risk, you can have those for free if you like living dangerously. Personally I think it's a scandal because they weren't sold as having an expiry date, so any ticket is appeal-able!

Aaaanyway, there are also paid multi-storey car park options, if you want to spend a bit more money but be close and hassle-free. Russell Square is probably the best compromise one to head for, being between many of the places we're likely to be.